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Rob DawsonCorrespondent
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to rule out the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Manchester United by saying “he knows that we’re here.”
Ronaldo looks set to leave Juventus after telling the club he wants to move before the deadline on Aug. 31 and asked about a return to Old Trafford, Solskjaer refused to categorically rule out a move for the 36-year-old, who has been heavily linked with Manchester City.
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“I didn’t think Cristiano would leave Juventus,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Friday. “If he ever wants to move away from Juventus he knows we are here.
“For me he is the greatest player of all time. We have had a bit of communication and I know Bruno [Fernandes] has been talking to him as well. There’s been a lot of speculation the last few days.
“Let’s see what happens with Cristiano, he’s a legend of this club. I played with him and coached him. He’s a tremendous human being. Let’s see what happens with Cristiano.”
Meanwhile, City boss Pep Guardiola said he believes it is unlikely Ronaldo will move to the Etihad Stadium before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
City are exploring the possibility of signing Ronaldo after Harry Kane pledged his immediate future to Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking on Friday, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri revealed Ronaldo has asked to leave the club but Guardiola does not believe he will get a new striker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
“I cannot say much,” said Guardiola on Friday when asked about the possibility of signing Ronaldo. “Harry Kane announced he will continue with his club, an exceptional club like Tottenham.
“Cristiano was a Juventus player and I cannot add anything else. Three or four days left of the transfer window and anything can happen.
“My personal view, there are few players, Ronaldo is one, Lionel Messi is another, they decide where they will play. Right now, my feeling is that we will stay the same. I am happy with my squad.”